ferry Europa Palace Grimaldi Lines
ferry Europa Palace
âš“ The Europa Palace is one of the big passenger and freight ferries in the Grimaldi Lines fleet, built for the long-haul routes between Spain and Italy across the western Mediterranean. She works mainly between Barcelona and Civitavecchia (the port of Rome) and Barcelona and Livorno, two of the busiest crossings in the Mediterranean for drivers, families and anyone who wants to cross the sea with their vehicle. At 214 metres long and with room for more than 2,000 passengers and hundreds of vehicles, she is a substantial ship designed for comfort on overnight crossings of 19 to 21 hours.
The Europa Palace belongs to the high-standard ro-pax class that Grimaldi Lines runs on its medium- and long-distance Mediterranean routes, a fleet aimed as much at holidaymakers as at the professional movement of lorries and cars. The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Italy, one of the world's leading shipbuilding groups, and has been in service since the early 2000s, with her interiors refurbished and updated over the years.
Grimaldi Lines, based in Naples and part of the Grimaldi Group, is one of Europe's most important ferry owners. The company runs more than 130 ships on routes serving 60 countries across five continents, with a particularly strong presence in the Mediterranean. Its routes between the Iberian Peninsula and Italy are among the best established in the market, with decades of continuous operation and a loyal customer base who value being able to cross the Mediterranean in comfort with their car or van.
History and background of the ship
The Europa Palace (IMO 9198939) was built between 2000 and 2001 at the German Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) yard in Kiel under the name Superfast VI for the Greek operator Superfast Ferries. For more than a decade she ran ultra-fast international services between Ancona and Patras at speeds of over 26 knots. In 2013 she was bought by the Grimaldi Group for its subsidiary Minoan Lines and renamed Europa Palace to work the international Heraklion–Piraeus–Ancona service.
In recent years she has become the group's great high-capacity "wild card", moving between the Grimaldi Lines and Tirrenia liveries as operational needs dictate. She currently runs the inter-island services of southern Italy on a regular basis, linking the ports of Naples and Cagliari (Sardinia), with extra rotations to Palermo (Sicily) as the company's freight demand requires. She is fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers).
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (passengers and ro-ro freight) |
| Length overall | 214 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Gross tonnage | ~37,000 GT |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~2,080 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 cars (or the equivalent in mixed units) |
| Passenger decks | Several (cabins, lounges, open deck) |
| Cabins | Available (inside, outside, suites) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Italy) |
| IMO number | 9198549 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Operating company | Grimaldi Lines (Grimaldi Group) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Civitavecchia (Rome) | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Civitavecchia (Rome) → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~19:00 |
| Barcelona → Livorno (Tuscany) | ~19 h | ~17:00 |
| Livorno (Tuscany) → Barcelona | ~19 h | ~18:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
Civitavecchia and Livorno: the Europa Palace's Italian ports
Civitavecchia is the main port on the Lazio coast and Rome's gateway from the sea. It lies about 80 km north-west of Rome, which works out at roughly an hour on a regional train (there is a direct service from the port to Termini station) or between an hour and an hour and a quarter by car depending on traffic. It is one of the busiest ferry ports in the Mediterranean and has bus, taxi and direct transfer services into the centre of the Italian capital.
Livorno is Tuscany's great commercial port, barely 20 km from Pisa (and its famous leaning tower) and about 95 km from Florence. There are frequent trains to both cities. If you are heading for northern Italy, Tuscany or even central Europe, Livorno may well suit you better than Civitavecchia.
If you are travelling by car, both ports have parking areas, a pre-boarding area and basic facilities. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours beforehand with a vehicle, and 1 hour if you are travelling as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the Europa Palace vary with the accommodation, the season and how far ahead you book. As a rough guide, a lounge seat (the cheapest accommodation) in mid season can start from €40-60 per person one way, while a two-berth inside cabin can range between €120 and €200 depending on the season. In July and August prices rise considerably.
Tips for saving money:
- Book early: Grimaldi Lines uses dynamic pricing. The sooner you book, especially for the summer, the better the fare you will find.
- Grimaldi loyalty card: the Grimaldi Club scheme earns points on every trip that you can redeem for discounts and upgrades.
- Families and groups: ask about special fares for groups of more than 9 people or for travelling with children.
- Return trips: Grimaldi Lines sometimes offers a discount for booking the return leg in the same transaction.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat or a place in the lounge |
| As a couple, wanting a good night's sleep | Two-berth inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Outside or family cabin (4 berths) |
| Looking for sea views and natural light | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| After maximum comfort and privacy | Suite or superior cabin |
| On business, or on the tightest budget | Reclining seat (foot passenger only) |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin (subject to availability) |
ferry Europa Palace · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, ideal if you would rather save money on the overnight crossing and do not need a cabin. Access to every area of the ship is included.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ The most affordable option
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
Inside cabin · Two berths
A private cabin without a window, with two bunks or a double bed depending on availability. Ideal for couples or for travellers whose priority is resting on an overnight crossing rather than the view.
✓ Private cabin with a lock
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ TV and power socket
✓ The best balance of price and comfort
Outside cabin · With porthole or window
A private cabin with natural light from a porthole or an outside window. Wake up to the Mediterranean. Available with two berths. The favourite choice of couples and of travellers who want to take in the sea views.
✓ Natural light from a porthole or window
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ TV and power socket
✓ Sea views
4-berth cabin · Family
A cabin with four berths, ideal for families with children or groups of friends happy to share. Available as an inside cabin. An affordable and comfortable way to travel as a group.
✓ 4 separate berths
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Ideal for families or groups
✓ Individual air conditioning
Suite · Superior
The most exclusive accommodation on the Europa Palace. A generous superior cabin with a sitting area, a double bed and a full bathroom. Perfect for anyone after maximum comfort on the overnight crossing between Spain and Italy.
✓ Large cabin with a sitting area
✓ Double bed
✓ Full bathroom with shower
✓ TV, minibar and power socket
✓ The greatest privacy and comfort
ferry Europa Palace · On-board services
Restaurant and café on board
The Europa Palace has several places to eat, so that the overnight crossing is an experience in itself. The main restaurant serves set menus and an à la carte selection of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, one of the hallmarks of the Grimaldi fleet. The café serves snacks, sandwiches and cold and hot drinks throughout the journey, and the bar stays open late for anyone who would rather socialise before turning in.
Open deck and quiet areas
The Europa Palace has an open deck where passengers can enjoy the fresh air and the Mediterranean views during the crossing. On summer nights, stepping out on deck as the ship sails between the Spanish and Italian coasts is one of the things regulars on this route enjoy most. On board there are also lounges with comfortable seating in which to relax, watch television or simply rest before you arrive.
Travelling with pets on the Europa Palace
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Europa Palace has lifts, access ramps and adapted cabins for disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility. Grimaldi Lines recommends flagging any special requirements when you book, so that the right assistance can be arranged for boarding, on board and when you disembark. The ship's crew are trained to help passengers with special requirements at every stage of the crossing.
Onboard shop
The Europa Palace has a duty-free shop selling perfume, cosmetics, drinks, tobacco, souvenirs and travel goods. As this is an international route between Spain and Italy, passengers benefit from the rules that apply to travel within the EU. The shop is open during the main sailing hours.
Frequently asked questions about the Europa Palace
Which routes does the Europa Palace ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Civitavecchia (Rome) and Barcelona–Livorno (Tuscany) routes for Grimaldi Lines. Both are long-haul overnight crossings of roughly 19 to 20 hours.
How long does the Europa Palace take from Barcelona to Rome (Civitavecchia)?
The Barcelona–Civitavecchia crossing takes about 20 hours. Civitavecchia is around 80 km from Rome, with a direct train from the port (about an hour to Termini station).
Does the Europa Palace carry cars and lorries?
Yes. She is a ro-pax ferry with room for roughly 600 vehicles, or the equivalent in mixed units (cars, vans, lorries). If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand.
What accommodation does the Europa Palace offer?
Five options: a reclining seat (the cheapest), a two-berth inside cabin, an outside cabin with a porthole or window, a 4-berth cabin (ideal for families) and a superior suite (maximum comfort, with a double bed and a full bathroom).
Is there a restaurant on board the Europa Palace?
Yes. She has a restaurant with set menus and a Mediterranean à la carte selection, a café with snacks and drinks, and a bar open until late. Italian cooking is one of the strong points of the Grimaldi Lines experience.
Are pets allowed on the Europa Palace?
Yes. Pets can travel in pet-friendly cabins or in the facilities provided on board. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and carry a European pet passport with an up-to-date rabies vaccination and an identification microchip.
Is the Europa Palace accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts, access ramps and adapted cabins. We recommend flagging any special requirements when you book so that the right assistance can be arranged for boarding and for the crossing.
How much does it cost to travel on the Europa Palace?
As a guide, a reclining seat starts from €40-60 per person in mid season. A two-berth inside cabin can range between €120 and €200. Prices rise in July and August, so it is worth booking ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port to board?
With a car: at least 2 hours beforehand. As a foot passenger: 1 hour is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, as there are many more vehicles.
How do I get from Civitavecchia into central Rome?
There is a direct regional train from the port of Civitavecchia to Roma Termini station (roughly an hour, with frequent departures). You can also take a taxi, a bus or a private transfer. By car it is about 80 km and takes between an hour and an hour and a quarter depending on traffic.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the Europa Palace?
The Europa Palace may have paid Wi-Fi on board. Coverage on the open sea can be limited. Check availability and the price of the Wi-Fi service with Grimaldi Lines when you book.
What is the difference between sailing to Civitavecchia and to Livorno?
Civitavecchia is the better choice if you are heading for Rome or central and southern Italy (a direct train to Termini in about an hour). Livorno suits you better for Tuscany (Pisa 20 km away, Florence 95 km) or northern Italy. Both have good rail links from the port.
What documents do I need to travel with my pet on the Europa Palace?
You must present a European pet passport with a valid rabies vaccination and an identification microchip. Travelling between Spain and Italy (both EU countries) does not require quarantine, but the paperwork must be entirely in order. Book the pet place when you buy your ticket.
